Update on weather :2nd February 15:20hrs

Heavy snow has fallen across Kingston.  More  heavy snow is expected up to midnight today.

It is unclear if buses will be  running in the Borough tomorrow.  Train services are sporadic from Kingston and Surbiton due to lack of available drivers. Southwest Trains (SWT)  are not yet able to advise us on their service tomorrow. This may impact upon RBK staff who rely on public transport to come to work.

Environmental Services

All main roads remain passable with care at 14.30pm this afternoon.

The weather forecast remains for further snow this afternoon and evening when the priority will be to keep major routes clear and passable with care.  All routes will be gritted again from around 4pm. Depending on the weather a further gritting will be undertaken from approximately 9pm.

The weather forecast continues to suggest no further snow from midnight with freezing conditions throughout the night. If this remains the situation gritting on all routes will commence from 5am on Tuesday morning. Should this forecast change the option remains available to grit again between midnight and 5.00am.

Street Cleansing, Recycling and Refuse Collections are suspended today and there will be no service tomorrow. A recovery plan for collections is being developed. It is likely collections will be two days late with collections being undertaken on Saturday and Sunday.

Learning and children’s Services,

All of RBK schools will be closed tomorrow

Community services

Current position looks like it will hold for tomorrow – we hope to hold the current position until the weather improves and residential and care management teams are fully staffed.

Meals on Wheels:  arrangements are to continue Meals-on-wheels  service tomorrow (Tuesday) meals will be delivered via  RBK mini buses (each with an escort). If weather is bad   transport will stop on main roads, while staff carry meals onto destination.

Day care: All Council Day centres are  expected to remain closed tomorrow

Registry Office: will be open tomorrow.

Cemeteries and Crematorium

They have no bookings tomorrow so no problems anticipated, footpaths through the grounds have been closed for safety.

Hospitals

South-West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust have wards staffed at Tolworth Hospital and have reported some problems with night cover.  However, they do have contingency arrangements in place.  The Community Mental Health Teams all have skeleton cover.

Housing

Expect the cover situation to remain the same tomorrow, with the contact centre open and the most vulnerable taking priority.

Information for residents

Information continues to be updated  on RBK Internet.

Radio Jackie informed of traffic and service issues

Outlook

More snow is expected across the borough later tonight. The Met office is expecting the weather to improve by Tuesday 03 February.  If this forecast changes then appropriate measures will be taken.

Appropriate call out arrangements, where possible have  been put in place with RBK contractors and partners.  For this evening.